Gloucester Dukes

August 29, 2007|By DAVE JOHNSON Daily Press

STANDOUT

There's no sugar-coating Reamon's numbers from a year ago. The two that jump off the page are 16 interceptions and two touchdowns. But in all fairness, Reamon spent much of the season either flat on his back or running from trouble. If he gets protection, he has a good enough arm to make defenses pay. After his rough junior year, he attended six quarterback camps over the summer. Something must be working, because scholarship offers are coming in.

The Dukes tried to have a wide-open attack, but it didn't work. In fact, Gloucester averaged 6 points a game and scored eight touchdowns all season. But Reamon Jr. hopes to improve on last year's numbers (2 TDs, 16 INTs). He has athletes around him in RB/WR Ray Harris (333 yards rushing, 417 yards receiving) and TE Josh Lovell, who the coach likens to the Pittsburgh Steelers' Heath Miller.

DEFENSIVE

The Dukes couldn't stop anybody the first four weeks of the season, but they got better once October hit. Starting with a 13-0 loss to Bethel, Gloucester gave up 17 points a game the rest of the way. Virginia signee Aaron Taliaferro is gone, but seven starters are back. Lovell is a hard-working end, and Reamon likes Larrimore and Townsend. Gloucester's 'D' will be tested early -- the opener is against Hampton.

OUTLOOK

Only 10 seniors were on last year's team, and Reamon feels the program is much further along in his third season. With the talent returning at the skilled positions, Gloucester is capable of scoring points. But Reamon Jr. must be more accurate -- and for that to happen, the offensive line must keep him upright. Challenging for a playoff spot is a longshot, but if things fall into place the Dukes could match the 5-5 record they posted in 2005.